Wyoming Drone Laws
Complete guide for commercial and recreational UAS operators
State Overview
Wyoming maintains a permissive regulatory environment for drone operations with minimal state-level restrictions beyond federal FAA requirements. The state's primary drone laws address low-altitude trespass over private property and restrictions on drones near correctional facilities, while imposing no state-level registration requirements or local ordinances. Significant practical restrictions arise from extensive national park drone bans covering over 2.5 million acres.
State Drone Laws
SF 170Aeronautics Commission Authority Over Unmanned Aircraft
Authorizes the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission to promulgate reasonable rules governing where unmanned aircraft may take off and land, in coordination with the UAS industry and political subdivisions. The commission has no authority to regulate operations in navigable airspace, which remains under exclusive federal control.
SF 34Trespass by Unmanned Aircraft
Prohibits operating a small unmanned aircraft at 200 feet or lower over private land or a residence without the owner's permission if the operation substantially interferes with the owner's use and enjoyment of the property. Landing on another's property without consent is unlawful except in cases of forced landing due to mechanical failure or emergency.
SF 32Prohibiting Drones Over Correctional Facilities
Prohibits using drones to photograph, surveil, broadcast, or otherwise observe correctional facilities without authorization. Also prohibits dropping contraband, weapons, or other materials at correctional facilities via drone.
W.S. 40-27-101Prohibition on Resource Data Collection Without Permission
Prohibits entering or using drones over private land to collect or gather information about natural resources (including photographs, maps, environmental data, or livestock surveillance) without the landowner's permission. Originally targeted environmental activists monitoring ranching operations but applies broadly to all unauthorized drone-based resource data collection.
HB 105Law Enforcement Warrant Requirement for Drone Use
Prohibits law enforcement from using drones to collect evidence or information about criminal activity without a warrant or specific judicial authorization.
Local/Municipal Ordinances
No local ordinances on record. Check with your local city or county government for any drone-specific regulations.
Penalty & Fine Schedule
| Violation | Classification | Fine Range | Imprisonment | Enforcement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating drone at 200 feet or lower over private land without permission (SF 34) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 6 months | Wyoming State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Requires that the operation substantially interferes with the owner's use and enjoyment of the property; incidental brief overflights may not meet the threshold |
| Landing drone on private property without permission (SF 34) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $750 | Up to 6 months | Wyoming State Police, Local Law Enforcement | Exception for forced landings due to mechanical failure or emergency |
| Photographing, surveilling, or dropping contraband at correctional facilities (SF 32) | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to $2,000 | Up to 1 year | Wyoming Department of Corrections, State Police | Applies to any unauthorized drone activity over correctional facility property or airspace |
| Collecting resource data on private land without permission (W.S. 40-27-101) | Civil Trespass | Property Owner (civil action) | Includes drone-collected photographs, environmental surveys, livestock monitoring, and mapping | ||
| Flying drone in Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or Devils Tower National Parks | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to $5,000 | Up to 6 months | National Park Service, Federal Law Enforcement | Complete NPS ban in effect since 2014 for Yellowstone. Equipment confiscation and memory card seizure permitted. Commercial permits available from Superintendent on case-by-case basis for scientific research, resource management, or approved film production |
Operating drone at 200 feet or lower over private land without permission (SF 34)
Requires that the operation substantially interferes with the owner's use and enjoyment of the property; incidental brief overflights may not meet the threshold
Landing drone on private property without permission (SF 34)
Exception for forced landings due to mechanical failure or emergency
Photographing, surveilling, or dropping contraband at correctional facilities (SF 32)
Applies to any unauthorized drone activity over correctional facility property or airspace
Collecting resource data on private land without permission (W.S. 40-27-101)
Includes drone-collected photographs, environmental surveys, livestock monitoring, and mapping
Flying drone in Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or Devils Tower National Parks
Complete NPS ban in effect since 2014 for Yellowstone. Equipment confiscation and memory card seizure permitted. Commercial permits available from Superintendent on case-by-case basis for scientific research, resource management, or approved film production
Registration Requirements
State Registration
Not Required
State Permit
Not Required
State Insurance
Not Required
Wyoming does not require state-level drone registration. Federal FAA registration is required for all drones over 250 grams ($5 for 3 years via FAA Drone Zone). Remote ID has been required on all registered drones since March 2024.
The Wyoming Aeronautics Commission has authority to develop rules governing unmanned aircraft takeoff and landing locations but has not imposed state-level permit requirements for recreational or commercial operations.
Wyoming does not mandate drone insurance, though it is strongly recommended for commercial operations due to liability exposure.
Applicable Federal Regulations
Remote ID Requirement
All registered drones must broadcast Remote ID information since March 2024.
Remote ID enables the FAA and law enforcement to identify unmanned aircraft from the ground. This requirement applies to all drones over 250 grams registered with the FAA. Both recreational and commercial operators flying registered drones must comply.
FAA Part 107 Commercial Certification
Commercial drone operations require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Wyoming has no separate state-level commercial drone license. Operators must pass the Part 107 knowledge test ($175 fee), valid for 24 months. FAA-approved testing centers are available in Cheyenne, Casper, and several smaller cities throughout the state.
Recreational TRUST Test
Recreational drone pilots must pass the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying.
TRUST is a free online test administered by FAA-approved test administrators covering airspace, safety, and regulatory knowledge. All questions are correctable to 100% before issuance of completion certificate. Certificates must be carried while flying and presented upon request.
400-Foot Altitude Limit
All drone operations are limited to 400 feet above ground level in uncontrolled airspace.
This is the FAA standard across the entire United States. Operations above 400 feet require LAANC authorization in controlled airspace or a waiver. Wyoming state law does not modify this federal requirement.
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Requirement
All recreational and Part 107 operators must maintain visual line of sight with their drone at all times.
Operators must either maintain direct, unaided visual contact or employ a visual observer in direct communication. Wyoming does not impose additional restrictions beyond the federal VLOS requirement.
Night Flying Operations
Night flights are permitted under FAA rules with anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles.
Wyoming does not impose additional night flying restrictions beyond the federal anti-collision light requirement. However, LAANC authorization is still required for flights in controlled airspace at night.
National Park Drone Bans
The National Park Service has imposed complete drone bans in Yellowstone (since 2014), Grand Teton, and Devils Tower.
These are federal restrictions, not Wyoming state law. Violations are federal misdemeanors carrying up to $5,000 fines and 6 months imprisonment. Equipment confiscation and memory card seizure are authorized. Recreational permits are not available; commercial permits require case-by-case Superintendent approval for research, resource management, or approved film production only.
For complete federal regulations, see our Federal Regulations page.
Federal Preemption & Critical Infrastructure
Wyoming has not enacted a drone-specific critical infrastructure statute as of this writing. Pilots remain subject to general state laws on trespass, voyeurism, privacy, and reckless endangerment, and to all federal regulations including FAA Part 107.
Read the federal preemption guide →Airspace & LAANC
LAANC Coverage
LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) is available at 726 airports nationwide. In Wyoming, LAANC authorization is required for operations under 400 feet in controlled airspace around Cheyenne Regional Airport (Class D airspace), F.E. Warren Air Force Base restricted airspace, and Jackson Hole Airport.
Major Airports
CYS — Cheyenne Regional Airport (Class D controlled airspace)JAC — Jackson Hole Airport (Class D, located inside Grand Teton National Park)CPR — Casper-Natrona County International AirportCOD — Cody Buffalo Bill International Airport
TFR Notice
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are frequently issued near Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, especially during peak tourism season. War Memorial Stadium at the University of Wyoming in Laramie has TFRs during football games and athletic events. Cheyenne also has a helipad TFR at the Regional Medical Center.
Recent Enforcement Actions & News
Yellowstone Osprey Nest Incident—Intimidation and NPS Violation
enforcementA tourist operated a drone near an osprey nest in Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, causing the osprey pair to abandon their nest. After confrontation with a witness, the pilot landed the drone on the witness's vehicle and flew it overhead in an intimidation attempt. Park rangers cited the individual for violating the NPS complete drone ban. Penalties for NPS drone violations reach up to 6 months jail and $5,000 fine.
Illegal Drone Footage in Grand Prismatic Spring
enforcementDJI removed a promotional video for the Mavic 4 Pro after viewers identified illegal footage shot inside Yellowstone National Park, including shots of the Grand Prismatic Spring's interior. This violated the NPS complete drone ban that has been in effect since 2014. The footage appeared to have been shot by a commercial creator unaware of or disregarding the restriction.
Grand Prismatic Spring Drone Crash
enforcementA Dutch tourist crashed a drone into Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park and was fined $3,200. This was among the earliest documented NPS drone violation cases and established precedent for significant federal penalties.
University & College Drone Policies
| Institution | Policy Summary | Permit Required | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wyoming | UW requires coordination with campus police and risk management for drone operations on university property. War Memorial Stadium has flight restrictions during athletic events. Restrictions: Prior coordination with campus police and risk management is required before any drone operations on campus. War Memorial Stadium has TFRs during football games and athletic events. No flights permitted over buildings, parking areas, or crowds without specific written approval. | Yes | Risk Management and Campus Police |
Last Updated
This page is automatically verified and updated weekly by our AI-powered legal research agent (v1.0.0). While we strive for accuracy, always verify critical information with official state sources.
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